A statement that has many people talking about Juraj Slafkovsky and his possible selection by the CH

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Jeff Drouin
July 2, 2022 (9:06)

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Bob McKenzie, TSN's renowned informant, has released his final list of top prospects for the NHL Draft in Montreal in the last few days. Slovak winger Juraj Slafkovsky topped Shane Wright's list.

Canadiens fans who are hoping to see Kent Hughes select Shane Wright may be disappointed. Since 2009, McKenzie has been perfect in predicting the first pick in the NHL draft.

If logic is followed, Juraj Slafkovsky will be the Habs' pick on July 7 at the Bell Centre. Another expert has also expressed strong arguments in favor of the Slovak winger.

As reported by Max Truman of Danslescoulisses.com, Eric Leblanc of RDS was on 91.9 Sports and he mentioned that if a winger has passed a center at the very top of the prospect list, it is because he is the best in the eyes of scouts.

Leblanc added that if Slafkovsky had played in the OHL this season, he could have scored 65 goals and would have easily been the number one prospect. Leblanc said that the Finnish League, where Slafkovsky played this year, is a very tough league for young players.

McKenzie's top prospect didn't necessarily have the best stats this season for TPS Turku, with a paltry five goals and five assists in 31 games, while Wright had 94 points, including 32 goals, in 63 games with the Kingston Frontenacs.

At this point, the Habs will be looking to the long term to see which of the two players will be the best over the next five years, but also to make sure they draft the one who will be a true long term impact player.

In this case, it would seem that Shane Wright has a slight edge over Juraj Slafkovsky, but in the end, Kent Hughes and the Canadiens scouts will have the final say.